Brad Hawpe will clear waivers tomorrow, reports Troy E. Renck of the Denver Post, and the Padres "have genuine interest." Renck mentions the Rangers as another potential suitor. The White Sox, Rays, and Phillies are other speculative matches. MLBTR readers went with the White Sox by a thin margin in our Friday poll, though it was later revealed that they intend to claim Manny Ramirez.
Hawpe would have to play left field for the Padres, who have Ryan Ludwick manning the other outfield corner. Will Venable, Chris Denorfia, and Scott Hairston have been handling left field lately. Padres left fielders have just a .213/.306/.327 line on the season.
I’ve always liked Hawpe. I know he’s struggled this season, but he’s always been able to hit. That said, I’m not too sure I’d be keen on seeing him take playing time away from Venable or Denorfia. Venable has been a big part of their speed and athleticism in the OF, and he’s had a few big hits lately.
it would be funny if the Padres floated their interest in Hawpe to see if the Giants would try to block them from getting him.
Ya I agree, Venable brings so much more to the team then Hawpe ever could. Take him out an we no longer have team speed in the starting line up, also he has just as much or maybe even more Power then Hawpe, his pitch selection is not so good but he’s getting better.
I take this with a grain of salt, if they do get him its for nothing more than outfield depth for September. If it was true interest they would have been on him already
Hawpe has always hit well in SD if I’m correct
I would actually be against taking time from Venable/Denorfia as well. Both are playing well. And we managed to add two bats at the deadline without hurting the chemistry of the team… I don’t want the boys to push that luck too much when we are in such a good position now.
The league has caught up and then some to Hawpe’s “slow-pitch softball looping swing”. It’s difficult to believe he had done so well (until the second half of last year) with all that noise…..cooked at the age of 30 or so, as was his buddy, Garrett Atkins. For the record, I am a Rockies fan.
we don’t need another outfielder we need another st, pitcher.
Why not trade for Corey Patterson?
I think this could be a good fit. Worse comes to worse, he doesn’t perform and he just sits on the bench as a good veteran presence.
I dont want him
BS is all I have to say. Any gains from Hawpes bat in the Padres lineup would be more than offset by his horrendous defense. He was THE worst defensive OF in the National League last year. Hawpe will end up in the AL where he belongs.
we don’t need Hawpe we need S.pitching.
hopefully the giants block this and get him